Roommate arrested in death of Casselberry woman, police say

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Update: A Seminole County grand jury has issued an indictment for William Pyle who now faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder.

A Casselberry man has been arrested and faces first-degree murder charges for the death of his roommate, police said.

William Pyle, 51, was arrested late Thursday night.

Police said he killed Pamela Rooks, 55, who was his on-and-off-again girlfriend.

Police were called shortly after 5:15 p.m. Tuesday to the Summit Village Condominiums on Semoran Boulevard near Red Bud Lake Road after the woman's roommate reported the death, Casselberry police Comdr. Michael Schaefer said.

An autopsy ruled Rooks died by strangulation, with signs of blunt-force trauma, investigators said.

"I don't know anybody that can say anything bad about Pam. Everybody is just in shock that anybody would even consider doing something like that to her, especially since she was trying to help him, so I hope they throw the book at him," said Rooks brother, Randall Rooks to Channel 9's Jeff Levkulich.

Pyle was arrested in 2016 when he attacked his neighbor with a flashlight over Rooks, according to court documents. Pyle claimed his neighbor was talking to Rooks.

Pyle pleaded no contest in that case and was put on probation.

He was also arrested in 2008 for domestic battery; however, that charge was later dropped.

"She didn't deserve that. Pam was too good of a person, and unfortunately, her big heart is what go her into that mess," said Randall Rooks.

Pyle is in the Orange County Jail being held without bail. He has been uncooperative in the investigation, police said.

Pyle will eventually be transferred to the Seminole County Jail where he will stand trial for the killing.

Cox Media Group